The “old” Fantasyland attraction It’s a Small World has always been a favorite or mine.

My affection dates back to 1964, when I was fortunate enough to have boarded the original “Happiest Cruise that Ever Sailed” at the New York World’s Fair and marveled at the bright colors and cute, round-faced dolls all moving in unison to the classic Sherman brothers’ song.

Yes, even then, I couldn’t get the song out of my mind and, no, I really didn’t care.

My admiration for the attraction has continued unabated throughout the years, be it the one at Walt Disney World or the older Disneyland edition. Each time we visit one of those Magic Kingdoms, riding It’s a Small World is a “must,” no matter how long the line or how tired we might be. I have a feeling it’s like that for many families.

Last month, I was reminded of the incredible staying power It’s a Small World possesses when my wife Janet and I rode the attraction with our daughter Tracy and 3-year-old granddaughter Abigail.

With most folks flocking to the just-opened new Fantasyland, we walked down that long, winding ramp and right onto a waiting Small World boat.

As our boat started on its journey, the castmember in the enclosed control booth above gave us a smile and a friendly wave.

As we glided through the arch at the entranceway and into the attraction, Abigail’s eyes instantly lit up. A minute or two later, I heard her singing along with the song. “It’s a small world after all ...” she warbled, and in that instant, I understood why Small World is former Disney Imagineering chief Marty Sklar’s all-time favorite Disney attraction. And mine.

A classic scene from the It's a Small World attraction at the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair.Alice Schmidt

“The lyrics to the Sherman brothers’ song — ‘There’s just one moon and one golden sun, and a smile means friendship to every one’ — are so powerful. Can you imagine how great the world would be if everyone adhered to that philosophy?”

The attraction may be geared toward children, but the message is also pointedly adult and truly universal.

As we glided along, my eyes caught a scene amid the dolls that I knew about, but had never actually seen during the dozens of times I’ve ridden Small World.

There was the figure of Don Quixote, sitting atop his donkey, with his squire, Sancho Panza, at his side. The two characters are from the classic Broadway show “The Man of La Mancha” and are featured among the dolls representing Spain.

The scene got me to thinking.

In 1964, Walt Disney rode It’s a Small World at the World’s Fair and was taped as he talked about all the things he saw along the ride; the tape was used in the promotional film “Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair.” It’s quite detailed as Walt points out highlights from each country as he floats past.

Frankly, I wish there was a way for Disney’s Imagineers to weave that narration into the current ride. Perhaps they could put speakers on each boat and synch up the narration with the music and the current lineup of multi-national scenes. In my opinion, it would enhance the attraction immeasurably and add historical context — as well as Walt’s unmistakably upbeat voice — to the classic attraction.

The sight of Don Quixote and friends also got me to thinking about the addition of dozens of newer Disney characters that were made to the Small World menagerie in Disneyland a few years ago.

Remember, Small World “purists” were up in arms when the new dolls were introduced, claiming that by adding the Disney scenes, it was a blatant attempt at commercializing the attraction.

Although Don Quixote and friends aren’t Disney characters, they look nothing like the rounded faces that permeate the ride. In a sense, they are “outsiders,” just like Buzz and Woody, Mulan and Cinderella, yet they have been accepted from Day 1 at the New York World’s Fair.

To those purists, I say: Lighten up. Remember, a smile means friendship to everyone.